Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A Catholic education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition shapes students' worldviews, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre conveyed during the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass on January 28 at St. Margaret Mary Church.

The morning liturgy brought together students and educators from the archdiocese's Catholic schools as part of the National Catholic Schools Week celebration, held from January 26 to February 1.

Archbishop Fabre highlighted that January 28 coincides with the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of Catholic schools. He described St. Thomas Aquinas as “a model for Catholic school students and those who involve themselves in the ministry of Catholic education.”

An essential element of this education is the “Catholic intellectual tradition,” which was advocated by St. Thomas Aquinas, according to Archbishop Fabre.

“An important relationship in the Catholic intellectual tradition is the relationship between faith and reason,” he remarked. “In many ways today, there are ongoing struggles in the relationship between faith and reason, as they are mistakenly pitted against one another and seen in opposition.”

However, “St. Thomas Aquinas masterfully showed that there needs to be no opposition between faith and reason,” he continued. “St. Thomas Aquinas recognizes faith as building upon and perfecting the insights of reason, leading human beings to a fuller knowledge of the truth.”

Addressing students directly, Archbishop Fabre stated, “Your Catholic education is meant to shape your worldview. Catholic education can assist you in coming to understand that there really is no opposition between faith and reason.”

To educators, he said, “We must assist students in understanding the relationship between faith and reason.”

“St. Thomas Aquinas can serve as a model for all who involve themselves in the ministry of Catholic education as we strive to remain faithful to Catholic intellectual tradition,” concluded Archbishop Fabre.

At Mass's end, several awards were presented by The Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Schools Office.